First I will explain the “spring is coming” comment on the top. I know a lot of you are under snow and getting more as I write – I’m talking about all of you out east – I know you are in the midst of a strong winter storm I imagine others of you in the northern areas are too. But here – in north central Arkansas look what I discovered today when I went to get the mail out of the mailbox! I think the groundhog of the south (located in Georgia) is right – spring is in the air (even if it feels like winter 
at times )
the earliest variety of our daffodil bulbs are budding out. This always happens in February it seems, sometimes we have them popping open with snow around them. You always know that spring is really on its way when we see these.
And another clump - we still have a little bit of last weeks snow on the ground in places in the shade. I would not be surprised though to see a little more snow come our way before spring is actually here though.
I told you all I was going to be working on the border of my circles and four patch quilt which I am now naming “Going in Circles” I think it is appropriate. I have been taking some photos as I go along with it to show how I do it. I do not follow any particular rules this is just design as I go.
The first most important step in my opinion is protect your work surface especially if this is your new dining table! I have a large cutting mat 30 x 36 and I use that for the protection. The table is being protected from any glue leaking through.
I start in a corner so that is what I lay in place first.
The supplies - the circles, the nine patches, vines, glue, scissors, and a photo of the border that I am using for inspiration.
I forgot to take a photo of my first corner as I was doing it so this is a photo of the second corner - put your corner segments in place first - one corner at a time is best but you can do all corner first then go to the sides, up to you. These are glue basted in place.
put glue dots on circles as you are ready for them. I put about 2 feet of the vine down first with glue dots on the back, press them in place with your fingers, curve them as you desire. Then I put a circle on each side of the vine, I wasn't going to measure but then I decided I needed to as some were to far apart (they peel up well if the glue is still damp), I am putting the circles about 3 1/2 inches apart on each side of the vine.
getting ready to lay out more of the vine - the vine is all in one piece on each side of the quilt border.
When I got about 2 to 3 feet from the end of the border I laid the next corner pieces in place and glue basted them down. This is so I know where I want my vine to meander and end. Then I cut the vine to the right length ( I will trim a little more off when I get it all basted in place. I glue baste this portion of the vine in place and tuck the end under the 9 patch. The 9 patches also will be needle turned appliqued in place. Using the glue is an easy way to baste also if you need to make adjustments you can gently tug a piece up and reposition as you are working.
One side of the border is done and the second is almost done. Enough done so I can take this photo so you can see what it will look like. Now back to making more circles - I thought I had plenty! LOL I ran out before I finished the second side - talk about not judging correctly!! I had at first done some circles in two different sizes but the larger size was too big I felt so I am going to cut those smaller to begin with and use them to make more of the smaller size circles. That will let me finish the second side of the border but then I will be back to making more circles. Maybe I will get this done late tomorrow or Monday instead of today!
This sure adds a colorful finish to the borders doesn’t it!
February 6th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Lovely border finish!
February 6th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
The border is going to be a perfect compliment to your quilt! Your instincts about putting this one on there was right on target. Looking GOOD!
February 6th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Yes it does! It is a very cute border~ happy stitchin’!
call me crazy´s last blog ..Progress!
February 6th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Ohhhhhh….very cute! I really like “going in circles” a lot. Looks like you’ve had more sun than us….my daffodils aren’t even poking through yet and in previous years they looked more like yours do.
ranette´s last blog ..The last blocks are done!
February 6th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Very nice border – you are a good teacher.
Daffodils – oh, I am so jealous!!!! We have at least 10″ of snow.
February 6th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
We won’t see any daffodils here for a couple more months. I have to be happy with my inside flowers.
Your border looks great.
Wanda´s last blog ..Amaryllis and new wonky project
February 6th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Karen, I have never even thought about doing needle turn applique with a pieced block. You help me see outside of my small little box. With all of our snow I haven’t looked for my daffodils. I’ll be in the garden tomorrow to see if I have any surprises. Great post.
Kathy in OK´s last blog ..More Kaleidoscope Fun
February 6th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
The border is going to be awesome! But I still can’t imagine having the patience to make all of those little circles!
Mary L´s last blog ..Oh What a Relief It Is!
February 6th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Wow Karen. That border really makes the quilt. I never would have thought to do that. I am amazed at your creativity.
When I got out of my car yesterday afternoon I saw daffodils shooting up and thought I would have to blog about them. You beat me to it.
Vivian´s last blog ..Design Wall Monday
February 7th, 2010 at 6:45 am
It was wonderful seeing how you put your border together. I’m going to have to try the glue basting thing. This border is going to look soooo pretty!!
I would have to dig down 5 feet of heavy snow to see if the daffodils have started to come up LOL.
Crispy
February 7th, 2010 at 8:01 am
thanks everyone. I’m so glad too that I thought of this for the border I really like how it is turning out. More circles to make today and then I can get to the rest of it.
February 7th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Love the vine, it finishes the quilt so nicely! I just came in from surveying the parking lot/snow situation…lets just say I am very jealous of your spring!
Aunt Spicy´s last blog ..I Got The Memo
February 7th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Wow! I love it! The little circles with the cute little four patch is so darling! You are very talented and creative!
Laurel´s last blog ..Insane Jane and Me
February 7th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I’m so impressed with this quilt – you’ve done a wonderful job and I’ve really enjoyed reading about your progress.
Erin D.´s last blog ..Mm, Sweet Molasses
February 7th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Karen, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your ‘Going In Circles’ quilt!!! It is wonderful and colorful and clean looking. Fresh!